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AFWME – African Fashion Week Middle East Panel
March 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC+4
On March 15, 2023, Mucha Hazel Nyandoro, CEO and Chief of Professional Tribes, moderated the panel at the African Fashion Week Middle East in Dubai, held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Our CEO, Leda Di Marti, was invited to participate as an expert in fashion brand distribution in the Middle East and the broader MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). Leda was interviewed with Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, along with Fareda Fadul Ali, founder of Earth of One Eight (also the event sponsor), and Badrriya Henry, founder of Fashion Foresight and co-founder of AFWME. The panel’s theme was “Technology and Innovation.”
Dubai fashion week march 2023 catwalk
Regarding African fashion and its visibility, Leda emphasized the unquestionable skill and value of African textiles and manufacturing. There are various African brands that not only originate from the continent but also contribute to its reputation and craftsmanship. Africa holds immense allure for many creative directors who find inspiration in its culture, with designers like Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior showcasing collections influenced by Africa.
one of the other panels moderated by MUCHA HAZEL NYANDORO, CEO AND CHIEF OF PROFESSIONAL TRIBES.
For example, the Dior Men Fall/Winter 2023 collection was presented at the base of the Pyramids of Giza on December 6, 2022. Furthermore, Maria Grazia Chiuri introduced a truly African concept in her Cruise 2020 collection for Dior by collaborating with Ivorian designer Pathé’O and incorporating wax print fabrics manufactured in Abidjan.
our ceo leda di marti talking about the future of asian and african fashion weelsks.
The debate then shifted towards the importance of recognizing and promoting African fashion brands. While there are fashion events that attract attention in North Africa, Dubai, which has a population sharing similarities with the Middle Eastern region, appears to be the best choice. Dubai not only captivates the press (as pointed out by Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine) but also attracts buyers who seek novelty and are tired of the dominance of French, Italian, and British brands in European fashion weeks.
In conclusion, the exchange of ideas during the panel was highly constructive and paved the way for new collaborations to bring Middle Eastern and, primarily, Dubai’s fashion into the orbit of the four major fashion weeks: New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
The moderator Mucha Hazel Nyandoro, CEO and Chief of Professional Tribes, and the panelists of the Dubai African Fashion week Middle east: Maelle's CEO, Leda Di Marti, Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, along with Fareda Fadul Ali, founder of Earth of One Eight (also the event sponsor), and Badrriya Henry, founder of Fashion Foresight and co-founder of AFWME.
Leda answered questions regarding the possibility of Dubai Fashion Week becoming the fifth week of the global fashion calendar, after New York City, London, Milano and Paris. Our CEO Leda Di Marti acknowledged that while Dubai is geographically located at an exceptional crossroad between the West and the East, there is still a long way to go. However, with the assistance of European and Arab fashion consultants and experts, Dubai could undoubtedly elevate its status in the coming years, becoming a vital fashion event for the Asian continent.
Dubai fashion week march 2023 catwalk
The collaboration between prominent fashion brands and African countries and destinations should continue to flourish, as Africa is a source of natural beauty and inspiration. Its vibrant colors, distinctive prints, and symbolic motifs embody courage, strength, and loyalty. However, such collaborations must be mutually beneficial in terms of prestige and economic gain. They should provide significant opportunities for local populations to showcase their values, traditions, and remarkable locations while allowing the brand to incorporate these elements, adapting them to align with its established identity. In the case of collaborations with countries like Brazil, Nepal, India, and other developing nations, it is crucial to avoid cultural appropriation or shallow representations. Each population should take pride in its traditions, reevaluate them in light of innovation and modern life, and not allow exploitation by more powerful entities from Europe or elsewhere.
In general, when collaborating, it is important to offer employment opportunities to local professionals who have grown up in the country where the event or fashion show is taking place. It is essential to discuss their working conditions, engage in dialogue about their quality of life and needs, and recognize the beauty they share and pass down through generations. The generosity, loyalty, and strength that characterize certain populations should always be acknowledged and celebrated.
the flyer of the panel for the african fashion week middle east march 2023.
On March 15, 2023, Mucha Hazel Nyandoro, CEO and Chief of Professional Tribes, moderated the panel at the African Fashion Week Middle East in Dubai, held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Our CEO, Leda Di Marti, was invited to participate as an expert in fashion brand distribution in the Middle East and the broader MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). Leda was interviewed with Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, along with Fareda Fadul Ali, founder of Earth of One Eight (also the event sponsor), and Badrriya Henry, founder of Fashion Foresight and co-founder of AFWME. The panel’s theme was “Technology and Innovation.”
The moderator Mucha Hazel Nyandoro, CEO and Chief of Professional Tribes, and the panelists of the Dubai African Fashion week Middle east: Maelle's CEO, Leda Di Marti, Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, along with Fareda Fadul Ali, founder of Earth of One Eight (also the event sponsor), and Badrriya Henry, founder of Fashion Foresight and co-founder of AFWME.
Leda answered questions regarding the possibility of Dubai Fashion Week becoming the fifth week of the global fashion calendar, after New York City, London, Milano and Paris. Our CEO Leda Di Marti acknowledged that while Dubai is geographically located at an exceptional crossroad between the West and the East, there is still a long way to go. However, with the assistance of European and Arab fashion consultants and experts, Dubai could undoubtedly elevate its status in the coming years, becoming a vital fashion event for the Asian continent.
Dubai fashion week march 2023 catwalk
Dubai fashion week march 2023 catwalk
Regarding African fashion and its visibility, Leda emphasized the unquestionable skill and value of African textiles and manufacturing. There are various African brands that not only originate from the continent but also contribute to its reputation and craftsmanship. Africa holds immense allure for many creative directors who find inspiration in its culture, with designers like Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior showcasing collections influenced by Africa.
one of the other panels moderated by MUCHA HAZEL NYANDORO, CEO AND CHIEF OF PROFESSIONAL TRIBES.
For example, the Dior Men Fall/Winter 2023 collection was presented at the base of the Pyramids of Giza on December 6, 2022. Furthermore, Maria Grazia Chiuri introduced a truly African concept in her Cruise 2020 collection for Dior by collaborating with Ivorian designer Pathé’O and incorporating wax print fabrics manufactured in Abidjan.
the flyer of the panel for the african fashion week middle east march 2023.
The collaboration between prominent fashion brands and African countries and destinations should continue to flourish, as Africa is a source of natural beauty and inspiration. Its vibrant colors, distinctive prints, and symbolic motifs embody courage, strength, and loyalty. However, such collaborations must be mutually beneficial in terms of prestige and economic gain. They should provide significant opportunities for local populations to showcase their values, traditions, and remarkable locations while allowing the brand to incorporate these elements, adapting them to align with its established identity. In the case of collaborations with countries like Brazil, Nepal, India, and other developing nations, it is crucial to avoid cultural appropriation or shallow representations. Each population should take pride in its traditions, reevaluate them in light of innovation and modern life, and not allow exploitation by more powerful entities from Europe or elsewhere.
In general, when collaborating, it is important to offer employment opportunities to local professionals who have grown up in the country where the event or fashion show is taking place. It is essential to discuss their working conditions, engage in dialogue about their quality of life and needs, and recognize the beauty they share and pass down through generations. The generosity, loyalty, and strength that characterize certain populations should always be acknowledged and celebrated.
our ceo leda di marti talking about the future of asian and african fashion weelsks.
The debate then shifted towards the importance of recognizing and promoting African fashion brands. While there are fashion events that attract attention in North Africa, Dubai, which has a population sharing similarities with the Middle Eastern region, appears to be the best choice. Dubai not only captivates the press (as pointed out by Aby Sam Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine) but also attracts buyers who seek novelty and are tired of the dominance of French, Italian, and British brands in European fashion weeks.
In conclusion, the exchange of ideas during the panel was highly constructive and paved the way for new collaborations to bring Middle Eastern and, primarily, Dubai’s fashion into the orbit of the four major fashion weeks: New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
Maelle recently made a significant impact at the Hult Prize Dubai Summit. The esteemed event, dedicated to promoting innovation in the fashion industry, took place at the Hult International Business School Dubai Campus. Maelle’s CEO, Leda Di Marti, and e-commerce head of department and expert, Federica Gioia, participated as distinguished judges, evaluating 28 startups striving to make a positive impact in the world of fashion.
On June 24, 2023, the Hult International Business School Dubai hosted the Hult Prize Foundation Summit 2023 event. The day was filled with anticipation and excitement as over 30 startups took the stage to pitch their innovative ideas in the fashion industry.
The Hult Prize Dubai Summit brought together a diverse panel of judges from various countries and backgrounds, all investing their efforts into sustanability:
Leda Di Marti, Maryam Telmesani, Matteo Boffa, Anas Agag, Asutosh Upadhyay, Dr. Richa Gupta, Manish Ranjan, Shaheeda Abdul Kader, Antonina Grunska-Gokdeniz.
the winners of the dubai summit 2023: the company cosphere, saving the planet one cotton plant at a time.
Their collective aim was to support and guide startups in the fashion industry, aligning with the call for action and the Sustainable Development Goals (#SustainableDevelopmentGoals).
The two-day summit featured a range of engaging activities, including inspiring speeches, mentoring sessions, judging panels, networking opportunities, and passionate discussions. The Hult Prize Foundation team and all the participating startups demonstrated exceptional energy and dedication throughout the event.
The Hult Prize Dubai Summit served as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and create a more sustainable fashion industry. Judges, including Leda Di Marti and Federica Gioia, were drawn from diverse backgrounds and countries, united in their mission to support and guide these startups in their endeavors, aligning with the call for action and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Leda Di Marti asking questions to the contestants during the semifinals show at the hult prize.
one of the student showcasing its company idea, pitching to the judges in hult international business shool in dubai.
One notable startup, Manonda, had the privilege of pitching their concept in front of esteemed experts and CEOs at the Hult Prize Dubai Summit. While they may not have emerged as the winner among the 28 competing startups, the experience left them feeling humbled and inspired. The passion and dedication displayed by all participants showcased their shared vision of creating a more sustainable fashion industry. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and believed in us throughout this journey. Let’s continue to strive for sustainable innovation, together making a positive and lasting difference in the world. Lastly, I would also like to extend a big thank you to some of the judges who provided me with incredible feedback: Leda Di Marti, Maryam Telmesani, Matteo Boffa, Anas Agag, Asutosh Upadhyay.”
the founder sanskar gupta, of the startup "upvote" showcasing its company idea, pitching to the judges in hult international business shool in dubai. he is one of the 6 semifinalists and will run for the winning prize in september.
Another start up, named Casa Reborn showed a lot of effort and creativity. “The Hult Prize is a prestigious platform that empowers social entrepreneurs to address pressing global challenges. As Casa Reborn, our focus is on revolutionizing the fashion industry through sustainability. Throughout this experience, we have been inspired by the innovative ideas and solutions presented by fellow competitors.
My gratitude goes to the Hult Prize organization for providing this invaluable opportunity, I am very grateful to have also been critiqued by such successful entrepreneurs.”
The Hult Prize Dubai Summit provides a platform for innovative ideas and meaningful connections, paving the way for a brighter future in sustainable fashion.
the experts at maelle: the head of e-commerce department federica gioia, and the ceo and head of wholesale department leda di marti at the hult prize photocall.
Throughout the morning and afternoon, each presentation showcased the dedication and passion of these young entrepreneurs who aspire to make a positive impact in the world. After careful deliberation, the judges selected six finalists who would have the honor of presenting their ideas in the esteemed conference center in Dubai Media City, the same day. There, they faced a panel of experts and judges who challenged them with insightful questions and sought deeper insights into their ventures.
Following the presentations, the judges convened to discuss and choose the winner of the Dubai summit. The victorious startup would have the opportunity to represent Hult Dubai Summit at the finals in Paris on September 22, 2023, at Trianon Elysee Montmartre. In the event that any of the top three finalists were unable to proceed, the other five semifinalists would be considered as the “second choice” to participate again in the competition.
The ultimate global winner of the Hult Prize will be awarded $1 million to bring their idea to life, while the remaining finalists will receive $100,000 to continue their entrepreneurial journey. This significant financial support serves as a catalyst for these young visionaries to realize their dreams and create meaningful change in the world.
